Although the incident is complex and some details are still withheld -- and the suspect accused of causing the wreck, Ryan Morales, is yet to be arrested -- the Lodi police chief confirmed at an 11 a.m. news conference that the collision is not considered an accident.

Police say 28-year-old Morales, of Lodi, was under the influence of alcohol when he got behind the wheel.

"In my view, it was a heinous act that resulted in six deaths and has a 9-year-old fighting for his life," Chief Mark Helms said. "We are treating the investigation as a homicide and we will make sure individual is brought to justice."

Eden Miranda was the only member of his family to survive, although he remains hospitalized. The boy's family said his condition continues to improve.

Morales hasn't been arrested due to his medical condition. He is listed as critically hurt at a hospital in last week's wreck. Morales is the only suspect.

He is accused of speeding and talking on a cellphone while he drove an SUV into the family's pickup truck in Lodi last week.

Witnesses said Morales drove at highway speeds. Investigators served several search warrants on him Friday, and said more might be coming.

When KCRA 3 briefly spoke with Morales' dad, James Morales, he said through a home window that he hasn't spoken with Ryan because he's in a coma.

"I love him," James Morales said.

Police haven't spoken with Ryan Morales, either. Officers did say he has served time in jail for evading arrest and was on post-release community supervision.

Ryan's mom is at the hospital with her son, James Morales said.

The San Joaquin district attorney said Monday the office will determine what charges Morales will face when all the evidence is collected. A representative for the office added, a second-degree murder count is likely, which holds a sentence of 15 years to life.

Relatives of the victims are lighting candles and holding nightly prayer sessions for the Miranda family. Police also said at the news conference that it's unknown if the victims were wearing restraints.

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